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Prejudice

Prejudice
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Connecticut Personal Injury Cases and How Bert McDowell Injury Law Can HelpPrejudice

 

In Connecticut, if your personal injury claim goes to court, the case will typically be decided by a jury. Juries consist of ordinary citizens who are selected at random from the population. These individuals may bring various unconscious biases and prejudices with them, which can potentially influence the outcome of your case. Understanding these biases and how they can impact your case is crucial, and having the right legal representation, like Bert McDowell Injury Law, by your side can make all the difference.

How Jury Prejudice Can Impact Personal Injury Cases

Prejudice in the courtroom may not always work the way people expect. While issues such as racism or sexism are often discussed in broader societal contexts, they are less likely to play a significant role in personal injury verdicts. This is because your lawyer has the opportunity to screen potential jurors during a process called voir dire. During this process, attorneys can identify and remove jurors who may exhibit clear biases based on race, gender, or similar factors.

However, other forms of prejudice are incredibly common in personal injury cases and can significantly influence the outcome. These include:

  • Your personality: Jurors are more likely to side with and award higher compensation to individuals they find likable or relatable. First impressions matter.
  • The context of your injury: If your injury occurred under circumstances that could negatively impact your character, such as while engaging in reckless behavior or drinking, jurors may be less sympathetic.
  • The visibility of your injury: Jurors tend to sympathize more with injuries that are visible and easy to comprehend. Invisible injuries, such as internal damage or chronic pain, may not garner the same level of understanding or empathy.

These biases can affect a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip and fall incidents, workplace injuries, and nursing home abuse cases.

How Bert McDowell Injury Law Fights Jury Bias

While these forms of prejudice are not fair, experienced personal injury lawyers like those at Bert McDowell Injury Law know how to address and minimize their impact. Our team takes several steps to ensure that jury bias does not unfairly affect your case:

  • Screening jurors during voir dire: We carefully question potential jurors to identify and exclude individuals who may have biases that could harm your case.
  • Preparing you for trial: We will work with you to ensure you make a strong and positive impression on the jury, helping them see you as a credible and relatable person.
  • Using expert testimony: We bring in medical experts and other professionals to clearly explain your injuries and their impact, making your case as compelling as possible.
  • Demonstrating the personal impact: By showing how your injury has affected your daily life, relationships, and responsibilities, such as caring for your family, we help jurors understand the full extent of your suffering.

At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we are committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Under Connecticut law, you have the right to financial recovery, but the amount you receive will depend on the strength of your case and how the jury perceives you. Our team will work tirelessly to build a compelling case and overcome any potential biases that may arise.

When to Accept a Settlement

Sometimes, going to trial may not be the best option. If we believe that a jury may not fully understand the severity of your injury or if the opposing side is likely to portray you unfairly, we might recommend accepting a settlement. Settlements provide a guaranteed outcome and can often save you time, stress, and uncertainty. Our team will carefully evaluate your case and provide honest advice on whether a settlement or trial is the right choice for you.

Contact Bert McDowell Injury Law Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, workplace incident, or any other type of accident caused by negligence, don’t wait to seek legal help. Bert McDowell Injury Law is here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 475-231-3274 to schedule your free consultation. You can also fill out our contact form to get started.

We take pride in serving clients across Connecticut and ensuring that their voices are heard in both settlement negotiations and in the courtroom. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you.

 

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